Spectacular waterfalls within the USA

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With more than 27 feet of average snowfall a year, Valdez, Alaska has become known as the “Land of Waterfalls” when all of that snow begins to melt in the spring and into the summer. Sean and Jessica Taylor

A surplus of water in the Upper Snake River and deep snowpack means thatwater releases will be required below the Milner Dam through April, and more water flowing over the 212-foot falls. Reeder Flying Service

Within the heart of Minneapolis, and with the snowiest April ever recorded in the area, Minnehaha Falls within Minnehaha Regional Park is flowing well, and is expected to continue long into the spring. Will Wright

Record snowfall in Montana means that the mountain creek that feeds Skalkaho Pass Falls are overflowing with melted snow, which makes for lots of water tumbling over the 150-foot falls. Travis Burke, Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development

With 3,160 tons of water flowing over Niagara Falls every second – that’s 75,750 gallons per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and 681,750 gallons per second over Horseshoe Falls – it’s impossible to imagine that the falls can freeze. Destination Niagara USA

Rather than snow melt, a wet and cold winter, as well as heavy rains this spring, have resulted in lots of water flowing over Tennessee’s waterfalls, including Fall Creek Falls in the aptly-named Fall Creek Falls State Park... Sean Fisher

While spring temperatures continue to play cat and mouse with much of the country, the weather is indeed warming, and with the warmer weather comes snow melt. This spring, the melt from above average snow falls is rewarding us with spectacular sights at waterfalls around the USA.

Alaska

With more than 27 feet of average snowfall a year, Valdez has become known as the “Land of Waterfalls” when all of that snow begins to melt in the spring and into the summer. One of the waterfalls to stop by is Bridal Veil Falls in Keystone Canyon off of the Richardson Highway.

Three waterfalls that are worth checking out this spring in Colorado are Fish Creek Falls near Steamboat Springs; South Mineral Creek Falls near Durango and Silverton; and Seven Falls near Colorado Springs. The gentle spray from Fish Creek Falls will cool you after the trek to see them, and the landscape around South Mineral Creek Falls, with its turquoise pool and red and grey peaks, and the Great Plains beyond Seven Falls make the views even more stunning.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, two waterfalls worth seeing are Kent Falls in the town of Kent, from which the waters plunge 70 feet in a cascade, and Wadsworth Falls, accessible via a 1.5-mile hike within Wadsworth Falls State Park.

Idaho

You’re in for a spectacular show if you visit Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls. A surplus of water in the Upper Snake River and deep snowpack means that water releases will be required below the Milner Dam through April, and more water flowing over the 212-foot falls.

Maine

White water rafting enthusiasts are looking forward to an exciting season with the amount of water flowing at Moxie Falls in The Forks region. The 90-foot high falls are one of the tallest in the state, and its water plunges into a 17-foot pool at the bottom of its vertical drop.

Within the heart of Minneapolis, and with the snowiest April ever recorded in the area, Minnehaha Falls within Minnehaha Regional Park is flowing well, and is expected to continue long into the spring. Elsewhere in Minnesota, it’s easy to spot one of the 15 waterfalls in Cook County’s Cross River, off of Highway 61. But bring a raincoat – the spray from the snow melt (88 inches fell in the county this winter) may get you.

Montana

Record snowfall in Montana means that the mountain creek that feeds Skalkaho Pass Falls are overflowing with melted snow, which makes for lots of water tumbling over the 150-foot falls. The falls are found within Bitterroot National Forest on Skalkaho Pass off of Highway 38.

New York

With 3,160 tons of water flowing over Niagara Falls every second – that’s 75,750 gallons per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and 681,750 gallons per second over Horseshoe Falls – it’s impossible to imagine that the falls can freeze. But that’s just what happened this winter when air temperatures dropped, and the water plummeting over the falls froze in Niagara Falls State Park.

North Carolina

The Dry Falls near Highlands aren’t so dry this spring, with water flowing heavily over the falls.

Oregon

In Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, the water that flows over Sahalie Falls plunges 100 feet over a lava dam, and then another 40 feet in a series of, well, cascades. Sahalie is a Chinook Jargon word that means "heaven," and the views here are quite heavenly.

Tennessee

Rather than snow melt, a wet and cold winter, as well as heavy rains this spring, have resulted in lots of water flowing over Tennessee’s waterfalls, including Fall Creek Falls in the aptly-named Fall Creek Falls State Park, which stands at 256 feet and is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States; and Greeter Falls and Savage Falls, both within South Cumberland State Park.

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In 1968, 200 miles of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Minnesota and Wisconsin was established as one of the original eight rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Whether you choose to canoe and camp amid the northwoods, or boat and fish surrounded by wooded bluffs and historic towns, the St. Croix is worth the trip. Courtesy of Craig Blacklock, from the book "St. Croix & Namekagon Rivers--The Enduring Gift"

Also one of the original 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Clearwater includes the Selway and Lochsa Rivers. With an average gradient drop of 31 feet/mile, Lochsa is the Nez Perce Indian word for “rough water.” Dividing the mountain-locked grandeur of north-central Idaho, the Lochsa roughly parallels Highway 12 and Lolo Trail, the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and part of the National Trail System, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Courtesy of Dave Gardner

Due to its deep, clear pools and riffles flowing amid boulders and horizontal columnar basalt rosettes, Oregon’s Molalla River is perfect for tubing, swimming, wading, sunbathing and fishing. Although it is an Oregon State Scenic Waterway, the Molalla River is not currently protected. It is, however, eligible to become a Wild and Scenic River through Congressional bills that recognize its outstanding recreational values. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

The famous Giant Gap run of the even more famous North Fork of the American River Wild and Scenic River is one of the most challenging runs in northern California. Cliffs tower 2,000 feet above clear green streams, smashing a path through rapids choked with boulders. Heaps of mine tailings and an old cabin ruin border the course of this roller coaster ride through historic Mother Lode. While the awe-inspiring river canyon is best known for its thrilling whitewater, challenging hiking trails, excellent fishing, abundant wildlife and dramatic scenery contribute to its popularity and significance in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

Protected in 1968, the Middle Fork of the Feather River was one of the first nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. The river runs from it headwaters near Beckwourth, Calif., to Lake Oroville. Like many protected rivers, the adjacent lands range from primitive - lush brush and waterfalls - to highly developed - manicured golf courses and residential areas. Courtesy of Tim Palmer

The Crooked Wild and Scenic River is noted for its ruggedly beautiful scenery, outstanding whitewater boating and a renowned sport fishery for steelhead, brown trout and native rainbow trout. Located in central Oregon, it offers excellent hiking opportunities with spectacular geologic formations and waterfalls. A paved portion of the 43-mile long Crooked River Back Country Byway winds its way through the river canyon. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

Take a trip to gold country in Alaska. Canoeists along the Fortymile Wild and Scenic River can see modern prospectors working the river gravels, as well as remnants of several large historic dredges, as they float through thick stands of black spruce and tussocks that grow above the permafrost. It never truly gets dark here in summer, making more time for fun and exploring. The long days melt into a pink dusk that slowly transitions into a lengthy dawn. This is the longest river in the system with the main stem and tributaries stretching for almost 400 miles. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

Canoeists can float from several days to weeks and follow in the footsteps of famous explorers Lewis and Clark as they traverse the geological folds and faults of “Breaks” country at Montana’s Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River. The roadless canyon boasts broad vistas where fishermen are likely to catch goldeye, drum, sauger, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, carp, smallmouth buffalo and paddlefish. Floaters might even spot some of the many elk and mule deer that inhabit the area, or they can scan the cliffs to get a glimpse of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

The Delta Wild and Scenic River watershed in Alaska includes 150,000 acres of land, 160 miles of streams and 21 lakes, providing excellent habitat for over 100 species of migrating birds and waterfowl as well as grayling, whitefish, lake trout, burbot, and longnose suckers. Much of the watershed is surrounded by arctic tundra with grasses and sedges making it a popular place for berry picking and for migrating caribou. Recreationists who visit during the fall, winter and spring will often witness subsistence hunting and gathering activities. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

Located in central Oregon, the Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a playground for outdoor recreation with ruggedly beautiful scenery for hiking, biking and whitewater rafting, and is a renowned sport fishery for steelhead, brown trout and native rainbow trout. It’s the perfect place to #FindYourWay to adventure! Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

In a state where water is scarce, the magnitude and constant water flow of Arizona’s Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River is rare. Its waters are supersaturated with calcium carbonate from artesian springs, giving it a blue-green color that attracts swimmers to its translucent pools. It has been described as the most diverse riparian area in Arizona and is one of the state’s few streams with only native fish. Courtesy of Thomas O’Keefe

New Hampshire’s Lamprey Wild and Scenic River has the largest quantity of anadromous fish in the Great Bay watershed. Local communities are vital to the management of this “partnership” river - a unique category of designated rivers managed through long-term partnerships between government and citizen stakeholders. Also rich in history, the area boomed through commercial and industrial growth centered around the use of falls on the river for saw and grist mills. Now it’s a great place to swim, canoe and fish in summer or ice-fish in winter. National Park Service

The John Day Wild and Scenic River is the longest undammed river in Oregon. Located in the eastern part of the state, the section from Service Creek to Tumwater Falls flows through a number of colorful canyons, broad valleys and breathtaking terrain. It offers year-round recreation opportunities - from whitewater boating and camping to fishing and hunting, with snowmobiling and skiing in the winter. Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

Perhaps the epitome of a prairie river, Nebraska’s Niobrara Wild and Scenic River is known as a biological crossroads. Although passing primarily through private land, it also flows through the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and the largest single holding of The Nature Conservancy where bison have been reintroduced. The upper portion provides excellent canoeing, kayaking, and inner tube or tanking float trips. National Park Service

Flowing through a deep gorge, wooded bluffs and rolling farmlands, the Little Miami Wild and Scenic River is located between Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio, placing it within an hour's drive of over three million people. Public access to the river is readily available through many state and county parks, and canoe liveries paddle most of the river. Courtesy of Thomas O’Keefe

In subtropical Florida, the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River supports diverse plant and animal life, including the needle palm, shield fern, gopher tortoise, Florida Black Bear and American Alligator. Paddlers and fishermen can enjoy hour- or day-long trips on this river’s tranquil stretches. Courtesy of General Janine

Originally dating back to 1844, the Frenchtown Bridge on the Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic River is part of a historic river corridor that contains buildings used during Washington's famous crossing and Native American and colonial era archaeological sites and mills. The river is an important component of the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major waterfowl routes in North America. Courtesy of Tim Palmer

Over the course of 13 million years, the Virgin Wild and Scenic River, designated in 2009, carved through the red sandstones of Zion National Park in Utah. This natural erosion created "The Narrows," one of the premiere hiking adventures - a permitted 16 mile in-water trek - in the United States. As the heat of the day yields to the cool of the desert night, hikers in and along the river corridor may see diverse wildlife including desert bighorn sheep, ringtail cats and Mexican spotted owls. Courtesy of Tim Palmer

Kayakers and other advanced paddlers seek the challenging whitewater of the Bruneau Wild and Scenic River, which flows between the steep multi-colored cliffs of a deep, wild, and remote desert canyon. The Bruneau Wild and Scenic River runs through the Bruneau-Jarbidge Wilderness and, along with nearby protected rivers in southwestern Idaho, contains the largest concentration of sheer-walled rhyolite/basalt canyons in the western United States. Courtesy of John Webster, webstermediahouse.com

One of the original rivers designated in 1968, the popular Rogue Wild and Scenic River is nationally recognized for its high-quality whitewater boating and salmon fishing. It is home to chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout and green sturgeon, which travel upstream for more than 200 miles from Gold Beach, Ore., where the Rogue River enters the Pacific Ocean, to spawn in their natal streams. Courtesy of Northwest Rafting Company